One of the longest droughts in sports is officially over. For the first time in franchise history, the Los Angeles Clippers will play in the Western Conference Finals.
Following a 131-119 win over the top-seeded Utah Jazz, Clippers secures a spot in the final four. They took full control of the series, winning four straight after dropping games one and two.�
The Clippers came back down 25 points to secure a game-six win. They outscored the Jazz in the second half 81-47, which included a 17-0 run in the waning moments of the third quarter. Offensively, they were led by a breakout performance from Terance Mann, who dropped a career-high 39 points. His standout role in this game was complimented by Paul George, Nicolas Batum, Reggie Jackson, and Patrick Beverley. Each player scored in double figures for the game and played pivotal roles in their historic comeback.
With this series win, the Clippers also become the first team in NBA history to win multiple series in a single postseason starting down 2-0.�Additionally, head coach Tyronn Lue improves a playoff record of his own.
Previewing Clippers v. Suns Conference Finals
The Clippers will take on the Phoenix Suns in the Conference Finals. Phoenix took the season series between the two teams two games to one. They are 8-2 thus far in these playoffs, having swept the Denver Nuggets in round two and knocking off the defending champions Lakers in round one. The Suns look to clinch their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1993. Meanwhile, the Clippers, who are already in unchartered territory, hope to advance to their franchise’s first NBA Finals.
Both teams enter this series compromised and surrounded by uncertainty. LA is without their top star in Kawhi Leonard with an ACL injury, whereas the Suns are without their star point guard, Chris Paul, who has COVID-19. Whether either player will be available for their team during the series is unknown at this time. Though both teams have shown an ability to survive despite the absences, a return on either side would help greatly. We will continue to monitor each situation as the series goes on.
